Toward a Better Understanding of the Relationship Between Gender and Crack/Cocaine Use and Dependence

Abstract

Building on previous research, this cross-sectional, exploratory study of 142 crack/cocaine users, currently enrolled in residential substnace abuse treatment, aimed to replicate previous findings indicating that females evidence greater use (past year and heaviest use) and dependence (current and lifetime) of crack/cocaine compared to males. In addition, this study sought to examine potential risk factors in the relationship between gender and crack/cocaine drug use. Results indicated that females used crack/cocaine significantly more frequently in the past year. Males and females did not differ on dependence or lifetime heaviest use. Frequency of use by romantic partner and lifetime major depressive disorder diagnosis were significantly related to both gender and past year crack/cocaine use frequency, and met criteria as risk factors in this relationship. This study adds to previous reports of greater crack/cocaine use among inner-city females and identified potential factors underlying this greater frequency of use by women.